The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
